Faith that Works, James 2:14-26

In what is perhaps the most discussed section of James’ letter, he turns to the results of faith in everyday life. True faith doesn’t simply welcome people in the pews—it feeds them in the street.

Once again, James is not arguing that we are saved by works. He is showing that saving faith always expresses itself through works. As Calvin said, “Faith alone justifies, but the faith that justifies is never alone.”

James isn’t calling us to busier lives; he’s calling us to honest lives. He isn’t asking us to add more to our schedules, but to actually live what we say we believe—to align our lives with the faith we profess.